GPBC Blog

Valentines Day is approaching and many are intent on purchasing an appropriate gift of endearment for their loved ones. Many stores draw shoppers in with broad displays of red roses, heart shaped balloons, assorted chocolates and cards with sappy messages imploring recipients to “Be Mine” and “Won’t You be my Valentine.”

God uses similar messaging to us throughout the Bible. In Isaiah 43:1 we read these words: “But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator…And He who formed you…‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!’” Sound familiar? The passage goes on to attest “Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you…Do not fear, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 43:4,5) That’s better than any valentine gift we might receive! Jesus states in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

Bear with me for a moment as I continue on this Valentines Day theme. Let’s assume God was hoping to receive a valentine gift or expression of love from each of us. What might that be? I believe the best one would be you or I. God desires that we be totally centered and devoted to him. In Proverbs 8:17, the Lord says, “I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.”

In the days prior to returning to paradise (Wisconsin), Pastor Tom shared a final meal with the elders where he provided each one of us words of encouragement and wisdom as we together as a body move into the future for our church. We were each given by Tom a centuries old book of meditations and reflections titled The Imitation of Christ.  A recent reading from the book comes to mind titled “Of Loving Jesus Above All Else” that provides what I would deem in ourselves a sweet valentine we can offer up to the Lord: “Jesus wishes to be loved above all things; everything else must come second. The love of anything other than Jesus is deceptive and fickle, but the love of Jesus is faithful and enduring.”

As we approach this Valentines Day together, we can ask Jesus “Will You be mine?” And his answer will be a resounding, “Yes!”